BE STRONGThese words are often spoken to us when going through some hard times. We see quotes, sayings, and poems about “being strong”. But what does “be strong” really mean?

As a grieving mother these words mean something very different to me now. It does take a strong person to put one foot in front of the other when their world has been shattered. It does take a strong person to find a way to put those pieces back together. It does take s strong person to breathe each day as their life has been forever changed.

In our society I feel that the words “be strong” have such a negative meaning to them. Seriously, take a second and when you hear the words “be strong” what do you think? I think of be tough – don’t cry. This can be the case depending on your situation. However, to me those two words now mean….

Be strong enough to let others see you cry.Be strong enough to let the world see your heart is broken.Be strong enough to ask for help.Be strong enough to have bad moments and bad days.Be strong enough to admit it is hard.Be strong enough to be weak.​To face grief head on you have to be strong enough to be vulnerable. You have to let it be part of your life, including the ups and downs. If you are not strong enough to be weak you are just hiding from your grief. It will forever be a shadow following you around and one day it will win.

So next time stop and think about what these words mean before you say it to someone. Maybe being strong isn’t the best thing for them at that time, at that moment. Maybe they need to be weak and vulnerable and they need you to be their strength.